Spanking, just like any other controversial issue pertaining to childrearing will continue to draw both support, and opposition at each end of the scale.

When my children were younger I used spanking more than I care to admit, and I'll be the first to say that I administered a number of "unacceptable" spankings when I let my own anger and frustration take hold while handing down correction. We all make mistakes.

More often than not a spanking in our home usually added up to nothing more than a few sharp swats with the flat of my hand or a wooden spoon, through a pair of thickly padded cloth diapers and rubber pants to send the message, "I've had enough and this is your chance to get back in line before I hand down a real spanking with conviction and meaning". Nine times out of ten the entry level spanking (making more of a noise than anything) was usually enough to get the child's attention back in order again and if it wasn't, the child was swiftly marched off to the bathroom for a good proper old-fashioned spanking. A spanking the child soon wouldn't forget.

My own mother is a firm believer in the old adage "even the most well behaved of children need a good sound spanking once in a while", and I tend to side with her on that one. I like to think that no parent derives pleasure from having to hand down discipline or punishment, however when a little extra emphasis needs to be instilled upon an unruly child through spanking, it's comforting to know that we as parents have the authority to do so as we see fit.

I firmly believe that all of the unacceptable, inconsiderate, disrespectful, and outright defiance we are seeing in today's younger generation, is a direct result of a lack of good old-fashioned discipline.

Learn more about this author, Barb Tidewell.
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